Rural businesses and communities near Prince George and across northern B.C. are set to receive a financial boost from the B.C. government.
On Wednesday (Feb. 17), the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development earmarked $4.5 million for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in rural areas on an economic level.
Of that total, $1.5 million is going to be handled and distributed by Northern Development (NDIT).
“We are pleased the province recognizes the impacts of COVID-19 on the people and businesses that are essential to northern B.C.,” said NDIT CEO Joel MacKay in a release.
“The StrongerBC recovery plan will invest some much-needed funds into this region.”
Great news about support for rural businesses and communities to help them recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Northern Development Initiative Trust (@NorthernDevelop) February 17, 2021
We're please to be administering $1.5M of the Stronger BC fund, alongside @ICET_BC + Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust.#NorthernBC https://t.co/vf8nPbprF7
The province says roughly 60 temporary jobs are set to be created from the funding that could include supporting shifts in business focus and linking communities to resources that aid in overall economic recovery.
“We want to make sure we’re supporting rural businesses and communities, so jobs and services are there for the people who rely on them in these difficult times,” said Rural Development Minister Katrine Conroy.
“This announcement recognizes the unique economic impact the pandemic has had on rural communities and ensures we get the funding to areas where it is needed most.”
NDIT is set to have specific criteria that must be met in order for the funding to be administered properly, fairly and in a way that works for those rural communities.
For more information, you’re encouraged to visit NDIT’s website.
The provincial government adds, if eligible, rural areas outside the distribution region of NDIT may also apply for the funding.
